Posted: September 13th, 2022

Health Diversity

Health Diversity
Diversity is a primary factor affecting the quality of health care services delivered. There is no constant or precise definition of diversity as it relies on the continually emerging and changing societal ideologies. However, diversity, as it relates to health, extends far beyond the language barrier. It involves understanding the mindset of each patient and how various factors like gender, race, education, sexual orientation, experiences, cultural background, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status influence their views on health care.
Many healthcare organizations are constantly receiving and treating patients from different backgrounds and all walks of life. All these people have varying beliefs and attitudes towards health care and treatment. To effectively care for them, healthcare professionals should be able to provide quality and customized care that recognizes and respects all their differences. The impacts of diversity or its absence thereof can be best demonstrated in countries like the United States that host unique and diverse populations
Diversity in the workforce
To effectively serve a diverse population, there is also a need to have a diversified healthcare workforce. Decades ago, the American medical profession was dominated by white male doctors. However, over the years, female doctors have managed to infiltrate the field even though more than 50% of the profession still consists of male doctors. When a highly homogenous healthcare workforce is left to serve a diversified population, the quality of care delivered is impacted negatively.
Diversity in healthcare means having a healthcare workforce that cuts across all races, genders, cultures, religions, ethnicities, and orientations. Such a workforce is culturally competent and can provide personalized care that acknowledges the patients’ cultural, social, and religious needs. A patient feels more satisfied if they are treated by a healthcare professional who understands and respects their personal needs.
What is the importance of diversity in healthcare?
Diversity in healthcare improves the quality of health care, ultimately improving patient satisfaction and outcome. Having a diverse workforce also increases the morale and motivation of employees. It invokes a feeling and inclusion and safety in workers from different communities. Besides, diversity allows workers to communicate their opinions on various issues, which can result in better and informed decisions.
However, diversification without inclusivity is useless. Diversity should ensure that all races, genders, ethnicities, beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives are recognized and valued in the medical field. The main goal of diversity in healthcare should be to provide the highest quality of care to all people by availing a diversified labor force.
References
Henderson, S., Horne, M., Hills, R., & Kendall, E. (2018). Cultural competence in healthcare in the community: A concept analysis. Health & Social Care in the Community, 26(4), 590-603.
Nair, L., & Adetayo, O. A. (2019). Cultural Competence and Ethnic Diversity in Healthcare. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(5).
Purnell, L. D., & Fenkl, E. A. (2019). Transcultural diversity and health care. In Handbook for Culturally Competent Care (pp. 1-6). Springer, Cham.

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